Atheists Talk: Jessica Ahlquist

Rhode Island is the birthplace of American religious freedom and the wall of separation between church and state. Sometime between its founding and 2010, however, Rhode Island seems to have forgotten this proud part of its history. That was when a new student noticed a banner at Cranston High School West that read:

Our Heavenly Father.

Grant us each day the desire to do our best.
To grow mentally and morally as well as physically.
To be kind and helpful to our classmates and teachers.
To be honest with ourselves as well as with others.
Help us to be good sports and smile when we lose as well as when we win.
Teach us the value of true friendship.
Help us always to conduct ourselves so as to bring credit to Cranston High School West.

Amen.

This student was Jessica Ahlquist, and her challenge to the legality of the banner under the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment made history for for her poise and determination–and for the viciousness with which it was met. Jessica is in town for the American Atheists Regional Convention this weekend, and she will join us in the studio to talk about her court case and about how life has been since it was won.

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Listen to AM 950 KTNF this Sunday at 9 a.m. Central to hear Atheists Talk, produced by Minnesota Atheists. Stream live online. Call in to the studio at 952-946-6205, or send an e-mail to [email protected] during the live show. If you miss the live show, listen to the podcast later.

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Atheists Talk: Jessica Ahlquist
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3 thoughts on “Atheists Talk: Jessica Ahlquist

  1. 1

    Looking forward to this one, all the crap she got from the ignorant godbots over her suggesting the school follow the law makes it really hard not to be misanthropic.

  2. 3

    I really enjoyed the interview today, Stephanie; I didn’t know about Jessica’s earlier run-in with the creationist “teacher” (placed in quotes because you’re really not teaching anything but ignorance when discussing creationism); that was pretty interesting. Thanks!

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